Efl Teachers’ Perceptions of Communicative Language Teaching And Their Classroom Practices In Teaching Grammar: The Case Of Four Secondary Schools in Jimma Zone, Seka Woreda

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess teachers‟ perceptions of communicative language teaching principles and their classroom practices in teaching grammar in Seka secondary schools in seka woreda. To conduct the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. The total populations of the study were 30English teachers of four secondary schools in seka woreda. According to this the sample of the study was taken by using comprehensive sampling method. In order to gather data from the subjects of the study, questionnaires and classroom observation were used. The study was complemented by mixed method approach that employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools such as questionnaires, observation checklists and interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The qualitative was analyzed thematically. Accordingly, the data gathered through the questionnaires were analyzed with the descriptive statics. Finally, the overall findings of this study showed the majority of teachers (71%) under study had high levels perception of CGT. However, the study conversely revealed that there is a clear mismatched between what the teachers perceive about CGT and what they actually practice in EFL context. Thus, teachers had problems to implement principles of CGT in their English classroom practically due to lack of teachers‟ planning, large classroom size, lack of students „interest and their poor communicative language skills, students mother tongue interference and their culture. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for effective implementation and techniques of communicative grammar teaching in their classroom. In addition, the researcher recommended that teaching grammar by creating meaningful learning through real life situation in context and using communicative activities.